Despite committing fashion's most heinous crime - making a woman look wide - and getting the evil eye from Heidi Klum in Thursday night's episode, San Francisco designer Jay Nicolas Sario has made it to the top five. A complete unknown before "Project Runway," he's emerged as one to watch as the series draws to a close in a few weeks.

Episode 11's challenge - to create a red carpet gown for the leggy hostess - saw the departure of Maya Luz, the just-out-of-school designer who caved under the pressure and quit. "Quitters never win," said the snooty Emilio Sosa, who's running neck and neck with Seth Aaron Henderson. Out was Jonathan Peters and back on board is Anthony Williams, who was eliminated last week.

Meanwhile, Sario and previously eliminated contestant Amy Sarabi are back in town now, both still working at Gap after the singular life-changing experience that is "Project Runway." (Sario's been promoted and is now handling merchandising for the flagship store; Sarabi also may be making a professional move soon, but couldn't be specific).

Lesson learned, they both said during separate phone interviews this week, is to stay true to yourself. "Don't let anyone intimidate you," Sario said. Sarabi, who lasted nine episodes, says she wants people to come away from the program "knowing that I'm a designer who stays true to my design process and I don't compromise my design integrity for anything."

Sarabi thinks she was portrayed fairly, as one who works hard and is not polarizing. Sario is disappointed that Anthony got all the air time and he didn't get more of a chance to "show my personality." Sarabi's rooting for Maya Luz and Jonathan Peters; and would "unfriend" Emilio Sosa, who, she said, was unlikable from the start, made snide remarks throughout and "was not there to make friends."

Sario, aside from wanting to win and only allowed to comment up to the point of Thursday's episode, said he's rooting for Seth Aaron Henderson, because "he has a very strong point of view that shows up in every challenge." It's no secret to fans of the show that he dislikes Mila Hermanvoski, and would unfriend her in a second. "She's a fake-ass bitch," he said, not kidding.

But the high point for the top 10 designers was to be able to create a collection to show at Bryant Park in front of a live audience. For several seasons now, four designers have been named the finalists, which means next week's episode will determine who will show their collection on the program. But in fact, the top 10 contestants showed collections at Fashion Week in February, after the show was taped, but before it went on the air. (To see the 10 finalists' collections, go to bit.ly/ayC1vN.)

"Being on the show has given me the chance to find out what I'm really made of; I'm an innovative and fashion-forward designer," Sario said. His collection of gray and black body-conscious outfits with samurai-inspired armor effects on the shoulders and bodice was lean and sleek; Sarabi's swirly neutral printed tops and dresses, with her signature pleating, was soft and romantic.

Seth Aaron

Pros: Two wins; has never been in the bottom three. Distinctive edgy voice; pushes the envelope with pattern, fit and form - expert craftsman.

Cons: Looks too much like Season 3 winner Jeffrey Sibelius. Not commercial enough to create a marketable line of clothing. Who is his client, exactly?

Judges' take: Michael Kors on Emilio's bikini: "If she was Paris Hilton going to a Halloween party..." Kors on Marie Claire cover dress challenge: "It's not easy to make jersey structured, but you managed to take fabric that doesn't want to do that and you made it work."

Quit: Maya

Pros: Consistent with fit and form, and getting better all the time despite the pressure. Has been in the top three six times. "So, what does Maya have to do to win a challenge this season? I'm dumbfounded," wrote mentor Gunn in his blog.

Cons: Has never won a challenge. Doesn't veer from her body-conscious styles.

Back: Anthony

Pros: One (and a half) wins; in the top three once. Has established himself as an evening wear designer; creates wearable, pretty clothes for a variety of ages, great eye for color; keeps everyone laughing, team player.

Cons: Three times in the bottom three. Doesn't step out of his box enough; too Middle America; not modern or exciting enough a designer to overcome stiff competition from edgier remaining contestants.

Judges' take: Kors on Anthony's winning turquoise ruffle dress for the Marie Claire cover challenge: "The costume drama is over. The cotillion girl has taken a rest."